BizBeat: Old and new eateries slated to open soon

Restaurant roundup

Whether opening their doors for the very first time, or welcoming old customers back after a time of renewal, several restaurants in Jefferson City are soon to be open for business.

Oscar’s Classic Diner

We’ve covered the basics on Oscar’s before, but today is the day we can finally report this local favorite will reopen its doors. Owners Kurt and Lisa Mankin will reopen the restaurant on Tuesday, after several months of rebuilding due to a January fire. The new space will feature new memorabilia including tons of local photos, a historic juke box found at auction and a replica phone booth. A new banquet room with separate kitchen area, a state-of-the-art indoor smoker and a double-decker omelet grill will make serving up the “best in breakfast” and the “tastiest meats” an easy task for the diner. Another change still in the works will be a new gluten-free menu, as widely requested, to be rolled out before the end of the year.

“We are super excited to feel ‘whole’ again after the fire, with the brand new rebuilt diner,” Lisa said last week. “The entire Oscar’s staff is looking forward to seeing and serving our customers again.”

Many of the Oscar’s employees have remained with the business and will be ready to greet old and new friendly faces.

“In preparation for Tuesday, the kitchen staff has been busy putting our newly delivered appliances through their paces,” Lisa said.

She said her staff is trying to get back in the “zone” of excellent service they’re known for.

“We’re requesting a little early patience, but you can rest assured everyone at Oscar’s will be firing on all cylinders to please you!” the owner said.

State-of-the-art McDonald’s

It has only been three months since demolition and rebuilding began on the McDonald’s at 3124 S. Ten Mile Dr., but owner Butch Ruprecht is set on re-opening Oct. 29, at 4 a.m.

“It has been a fast-paced schedule, but we’re going to make it,” he said Friday.

The new McDonald’s will feature the newest design out there, with three drive-thru windows, two lanes, and an updated servicing design for more efficient workflow. Inside customers can expect a new way to order.

“It’s called a dual-point ordering system,” Ruprecht said.

Customers will order at the registers and there will be a centralized pickup area.

“It is built for speed as well.”

Jefferson City has watched the progress from the outside, and once the building reopens, Ruprecht has several specials planned to draw people in. The first 100 customers to come through the doors will receive a free Big Mac a week, for one month. There will also be several grand opening prizes to register for. In the weeks after the grand opening, Ruprecht says to watch for other incentives including daily specials, and free large-sizing your extra value meal. He also plans to host a canned food drive for the Samaritan Center at all of his McDonald’s locations in town.

“We really look forward to seeing our customers. We appreciate their loyalty and patience in the project,” he said.

Hoxton Tavern and Grill plans to open in Jefferson City at 400 W. Elm St. by the end of October.

Hoxton Tavern and Grill gears up for grand opening

Taking over the 400 W. Elm St. property, Dino Cubilla and his business partners are quickly finishing up the little details in order to open their new restaurant. Hoxton Tavern and Grill plans to open by the month’s end, and things are right on schedule. With new electricity, renovated dining areas, bathrooms, patio and kitchen, big plans are in store for the new tavern.

As previously reported, the local restaurant will feature live music, disc jockeys, and special sports nights. Employees will serve up pizzas, burgers, appetizers, wings, and specials on ribs and steaks.

Hoxton Tavern will be open for both lunch and dinner, featuring 20-25 beers on tap as well as bottles. The tavern plans to serve food until 10 p.m., but stay open until 1 a.m. Check out the tavern’s Facebook page for updates, including the exact opening date.